How does the mass media reinforce sterotypes? Essay

Stereotyping is a mental activity that is neither natural or necessary; however, due to laziness, upbringing or coincidental experiences (Lester, 1996, p.1), the stereotyping of individuals results in harmful generalisations that ultimately deny an individual’s ‘unique contribution to humanity’ (Lester, 1996, p.1). When the mass media engage in stereotyping, misleading representations concerning members from diverse cultural groups are confirmed. In this essay, a broad range of texts will be used to examine the ways in which the mass media construct and reinforce social stereotypes around gender, ethnicity and age, as well as how the media shape one’s imagination though direct images. It cannot be doubted that the media profoundly influence people’s attitudes and outlooks. They convey a whole variety of information which individuals would not otherwise acquire. Newspapers, books, television, radio, films, recorded music and popular magazines (Giddens, 1989, p.79) bring individuals into close contact with experiences of which we ‘would otherwise have little awareness’ (Giddens, 1989, p. 79). There are very few societies, in current times, even among the more traditional cultures, which remain completely untouched by the mass media. Electronic communication is accessible even to those who are completely illiterate, or in isolated areas of the world. According to Juredini and Poole, gender usually refers to the ‘behavioural and attitudinal characteristics’ as well as roles that are learned and derived from a ‘particular cultural milieu’ (2000, p.171). An important source of gender information in a consumer society is television. Despite some notable exceptions, for example ‘Sesame Street’, most television shows continue to portray males and females in stereotypical gender roles (Sigorelli, 1990, citied in Newman, 2000, p. 136). In a recent study of television programs, male characters are more likely than female characters to occupy leadership roles and achieve them, as well as being portrayed as inquisitive. In addition, they are more likely to be portrayed in a recognisable  occupation, demonstrating to audiences that males are more career orientated and dedicated to work, and emphasising stereotypes that they are the traditional ‘bread winners’ of the household. Alternatively, females are cast into the role of the caregiver (Thompson and Zerbinos, 1995, cited in Newman, 2000, p. 136). Despite the fact that women make up a majority of the population, most prime time characters on  television are male (Smith, 1997, cited in Newman, 2000, p. 136), and are still portrayed as powerful and rational. Women express emotions more easily and are more likely to be flirtatious in order to get their own way. Similarly, in print advertising, women were seen to be in the home, being dependent upon men, and not making ‘independent and important decisions’ (Creedon, 1989, p. 249), and are often viewed by themselves and by others as sex objects. In addition, the symbols involved in advertising often have a more profound influence on social behaviour than the stated messages the advertising wishes to put forward. Thus, gender divisions are often symbolised in ‘what goes on in the setting or the background of a commercial’  (Giddens, 1989, p. 446), rather than what it is explicitly selling. In many advertisements, men appear mentally and physically alert, while women are shown gazing into the distance in a dreamy way (Goffman, 1979, cited in Giddens, 1989, p.446). A central gender concern is that advertising is a ‘shorthand form of communication’ (Creedon, 1989, p. 249) that must make contact with the consumer immediately, in order to establish a shared experience or identification, and is most popularly undertaken through stereotypical imagery. In turn, these images form the ‘cores of [one’s] personal tradition, the defenses of [one’s] position in society’ (Creedon, 1989, p. 249), thus reinforcing the social stereotype. Children also receive gender lessons. Understandably, most research about the  influence of television and the media has concerned children, given the sheer volume of their viewing and the ‘possible implications for socialisation’ (Giddens, 1989, p. 444). In their literary pursuits, books have the capabilities to teach children what other children do in their culture and what is expected of them. In a study undertaken in America analysing preschool books, boys played a ‘more significant role’ in the stories by a ‘ratio of 11 to 1’ (cited in Newman, 2000, p. 135). Together, boys were portrayed in adventurous roles or undertook activities that required independence and strength, whereas girls were likely to be confined to indoor activities and portrayed as ‘passive and dependent’ (Newman, 2000, p.135). Similarly, the mass media construct and reinforce social stereotypes around ethnicity, particularly through their stereotypical images and portrayal of ethnic groups performing certain roles in society. Sociological approaches which attach particular importance to racism emphasise the limitations imposed on ethnic minorities by such hostility and discrimination (Haralambos and Holborn, 1995, p.688). The attention is  not placed upon the ethnic minority itself, however on the wider society which is the minority group. Negative stereotypes of African Americans in particular have been deeply ingrained in Anglo American cultures since Africans were brought into the country in chains (Lester, 1996, p. 21). The stereotypes served an essential purpose – they justified Anglo enslavement of Africans. Today however, the Anglos in America have been influenced by media images frequently seen on television and in newspapers of  African Americans who are ‘violent, criminal, drug-addicted and on welfare’ (Lester, 1996, p. 21). As in Australia, Aborigines have been given similar treatment, however they have ‘expressed deep concern’ (Ericksen, 1996, p. 45) about the way they have been represented in the Australian media. Through this, there has been considerably more Aboriginal presence in prime time television, particularly with programs outlining Aboriginal issues such  as ‘Black Out.’ Despite such advancements, regular direct and indirect means of associating Aboriginal persons with criminality, irrational destructiveness and disorder frequently occurs in today’s media. Through words such as ‘riot’ (Ericksen, 1996, p. 46) in Aboriginal headlines and disturbing footage on television, audiences are influenced into constructing ethnic stereotypes of all  persons belonging to that culture or group. Corresponding with gender and ethnicity, the media construct and reinforce social stereotypes around age. According to Golman (cited in Lester, 1996, p.113), all too many television commercials fall back on stereotypes, showing the aged as feeble, foolish or inept, passing their time aimlessly in rocking chairs.’ Because seniors are a large and increasingly affluent market, one destined to grow larger as the 1950s baby boomers mature (Lester, 1996, p.114), advertisers should be sensitive to this group. If no sensitivity is used, some seniors may take out their anger and frustration towards images and advertising by ignoring or actively boycotting the product. The mass media reinforce images of the aged through stereotyping, which inevitably engender fear among the elderly, labelling them as ‘sick’ or ‘too old’ for certain things. In many cases, older men are seen to have power, whereas older women as seen as weak. Such an example can be seen in the instance where an older chairman in an American television commercial was shown preparing to give a speech to his  stockholders in a commercial for Coopers and Lybrand in 1993 (Lester, 2996, p. 90). Being an older woman is not so glamorous and well respected. If an older woman is not portrayed as loving grandmother, there is a good chance she will be portrayed as senile. Despite the media’s reinforcement of social stereotypes among the aged, awareness could assist a better understanding of the elderly in particular. Advertising agencies and advertisers employ young people to write and  prepare commercials. Most recent writers on this subject could conclude that ‘the age of the advertising producers is an important factor’ (Lester, 1996, p. 116) in creating the stereotypical images of age. Young creators working on senior accounts can be a problem, as they do not have the senior’s perspective, thus, engaging typically in stereotyping. Such hurdles can be overcome by consulting the large amount of research readily available on seniors, and by focusing on a group composed of seniors, which in turn will reinforce alternative views on age and aging. It is also arguable that the media, instead of being seen as a ‘neutral umpire’ between competing interests and an efficient way of disseminating information, critical theorists argue that the media are ‘very much implicated in power relations’ (Juredini and Poole, 2000, p. 313) in society. The most critical view of the media’s operations represents the reading, listening and viewing public as victims of a ‘giant con trick’  (Juredini and Poole, 2000, p. 313), believing in a truth convenient for the powerful groups who describe and interpret the world around us, thus, reinforcing the social stereotypes. The modern media of communication are similarly central to an individual’s life, providing many necessary information services as well as offering possibilities for self-enlightenment and entertainment. The media constructs and reinforces social stereotypes around gender, ethnicity and age around the images that are produced, and by the way they are capable of shaping the individual’s attitudes and beliefs. Despite such interpretations, it is the choice of the individual what they decide to consume from the diverse amount of information that is served openly to the public, and to eliminate misleading representations concerning members from diverse cultural groups.

Modern tragic hero Essay

Aristotle defines a tragedy as a â€Å"form of drama defined by seriousness and dignity and involving a great person who experiences a reversal of fortune†. This ‘great’ person is normally held in high regard and possesses a tragic or fatal flaw which contributes to the reversal of fortune. The character must pass through suffering and trials in which they are brought to their limit and, eventually, the character realises their mistake or flaw, and develops as a result of this. Unfortunately, the development invariably comes too late, and the tragedy ends in the character’s death. According to Aristotle, a tragedy must induce fear and pity in the audience. Watching a person held in high regard fall leaves the audience wondering if a single mistake could really lead to such a drastic turn of events. The Crucible was written at a time when Miller was summoned to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee. During the 1940s and early 1950s, the fear of communist sympathisers became so great that under Senator Joseph McCarthy, the committee became paranoid in its search for possible communists. As this was happening, Miller began seeing parallels between the actions of the committee and the witchcraft trials in Salem two hundred years ago: â€Å"What was manifestly parallel was the guilt, two centuries apart, of holding illicit, suppressed feelings of alienation and hostility toward standard, daylight society†. The possession of lists pertaining to possible offenders is a particular link, and Miller fashioned The Crucible around both the events of his time and the Salem witch trials. Miller wrote the play for modern audiences and while John Proctor’s path is similar to the one defined by Aristotle, there are a number of differences. John Proctor is described as blunt and honest: â€Å"He had a sharp and biting way with hypocrites,† He has a rebellious spirit which leads him to be impulsive and rash on occasions. An example of this is when Parris mentions a faction. Proctor in jest says, â€Å"Then I must find it and join it†. This behaviour typical to Proctor differs a great deal from the repressive norm of the time. His behaviour also leads him to trouble later in the play, as others do not appreciate his more liberal thinking. â€Å"In Proctor’s presence a fool felt his foolishness instantly-and a Proctor is always marked for calumny therefore. † As a result of his sometimes rebellious attitude, he puts himself in a dangerous position when the hysteria elevates. Proctor is principled and a man of conviction. His refusal to go to church is not motivated by laziness but by a dislike of how Parris runs it. Miller also says that he came to, â€Å"regard himself as a kind of fraud†. Proctor understands that he is not the perfect Christian that he appears to be, and while he remains respected in the village, he himself feels undeserving of such respect because of the sins he has committed. As such, his fear of public humiliation is so great that he is reluctant to act when Elizabeth urges him. To Proctor, the risk of Abigail revealing his sins is too great. Proctor is very weak willed at the start of the play, which highlights his vulnerabilities as a human being while making his change all the more pronounced. He lacks moral courage and strength: strength to do what is right and courage to act, despite the risks on his own reputation. In his actions toward Elizabeth, we see he is loyal and caring. Even though he strayed from his vows, he seeks forgiveness more than anything else and puts off Abigail’s advances, â€Å"I will cut off my hand before I reach for you again. † He is protective of his wife’s feelings, and tries to spare them by deceiving through omission. This is demonstrated when Proctor leaves out that he was alone with Abigail for a moment. However, when Elizabeth finds out about it, she is hurt that he lied, and suspicious of his reasons for doing so. Through this deception, Proctor is inadvertently protecting his own insecurities which, while seemingly non existent to the outside world, he displays in private when with Elizabeth. Proctor lacks confidence in regard to his wife. He feels that he is trying hard to gain her trust but is not getting any response from her: â€Å"On Saturday let you come with me, and we’ll walk the farm together. † This is an obvious attempt to do something romantic with his wife, but Elizabeth is less than enthusiastic. Their inability to face up to their problems and the habit of tip toeing around sensitive subjects prevents the forgiveness that he so craves and keeps their relationship tense. With regard to moral courage, Proctor’s fear of humiliation makes him indecisive, as the only way to stop Abigail’s lies is to hurt her. Here he shows his flaws. He doesn’t want Abigail to reveal their affair. He doesn’t want to hurt her because of his affection and while he knows what she is doing is false, his inaction allows the situation to deteriorate drastically over a short period of time- the start of his fall. Proctor also has a great fear of being judged by others, especially his wife. He says to Elizabeth: â€Å"I’ll not have your suspicion any more,† to which Elizabeth replies, â€Å"John, if it were not Abigail that you must go to hurt, would you falter now? I think not. † It is evident that what she says is true, but, because of this, Proctor immediately jumps to his own defence, â€Å"I confessed, confessed! Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day†. This reveals his resentment for being judged, and his belief that only God has the right to do so. Elizabeth also points out Proctor’s confliction and self doubt, â€Å"I do not judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you,† meaning Proctor is punishing himself for his sins, and channelling his guilt by blaming his wife. In this interaction with Elizabeth we truly see how insecure and weak Proctor is, a far cry from the strong outward appearance he shows to others. His inaction stems from his pride, fear and insecurity, and leads to dire consequences for him and Elizabeth. However, as the play progresses, Proctor goes over a sudden and monumental change. Spurred by the arrest of his wife, the innate defiance in him surfaces and Proctor begins to gain moral courage, becoming committed to freeing his wife. Only in the absence of Elizabeth does John discover purpose and tenacity to do what he has to. He is not yet at the point where he can admit his affair openly to stop Abigail, but he begins to see the extent of the hysteria through Mary Warren and resolves to stop it with the aid of Mary Warren, â€Å"All our old pretence is ripped away-make your peace with it! † He must now contend with Mary’s weak nature, and it is ironic that at the moment of gaining new strength, he must help Mary overcome her weaknesses and fears. Proctor is still scared for his reputation, but the arrest of Elizabeth is the catalyst of his future development.

Analysis of Kraft’s Takeover of Cadbury

Analysis of Krafts Takeover of Cadbury Overview Of Both Companies Cadbury’s origins date back to almost two centuries when it was founded by John Cadbury who started the business by selling cocoa and tea in Birmingham, UK. Later he expanded by starting a line of beverages after a merger with Indian Schweppes changing the company name to Cadbury Schweppes (Chinn 1998). Successful product developments and launches have enabled Cadbury to boast of an extensive confectionary line consisting of Cocoa Essence, Easter Eggs,Milk Chocolate, Cadbury Fingers, Dairy Milk, BournevilleChocolate, Milk Tray, Flake Creme Egg, Crunchie, Picnic, Curly windy, Wispa boost, Twirl and Time Out (Cadbury 2010). Kraft, on the other hand, is a US company about a century old, which started off as a door to door cheese business but expanded into other confectionary items through many takeovers previously such as Ritz Crackers, Nabisco (Oreos) and Phenix Cheese Corporation (Philadelphia Cheese) to achieve success (Smith 2009). It is second in terms of sales and popularity in the confectionary industry with annual revenues of $42 billion, operating in more than 150 countries (Kraft 2008). The Idea Of A Takeover Due to recessionary times following fall in sales, many companies in the confectionary industry recognized the potential of merging with their competitors to become competitive and enjoy economies of scale (Mauboussin, 2010). Cadbury had continued to be a strong performer in the confectionary industry and shown steady performance and growth in light of the turbulent economic times. Much of Cadbury’s growth was due to its presence in emerging global markets. Kraft was attracted to Cadbury due its strong performance during the economic crisis. This led to Kraft’s proposal to Cadbury of a takeover. The initial offering of $16.3 billion or 740pence per share by Kraft to Cadbury was outright rejected as derisory and an attempt by Kraft to take over Cadbury for cheap. Cadbury has had strong brands whose ico ns are etched in the minds all over the world, an impressive category line and extensive worldwide consumer base. Successful financial overview and steady business model reinforced Cadbury’s belief that it should be an independent company. Kraft’s bid did not come remotely close to reflecting the company’s true worth. Kraft proposed another bid shortly: This comprised of an offer of  £10.1 billion ($17 billion, same terms as the first bid in September-300 pence in cash and 0.2589 Kraft shares per Cadbury shares. The closing price of 9th November reflected the bid valuation of Cadbury at 710 pence which was lower than the share price of 761p on that day. Kraft’s share price: $26.53; Exchange rate (as agreed): $1.66 / GBP. Ratio: 0.2589 Kraft shares per every Cadbury share (26.53/1.66 * 0.2589 =  £ 4.133 + 4.13 =  £ 7.13).This was less than the price of Cadbury on that day and even the initial level of  £ 7.45. Cadbury rejected the offer on the basi s of undervalued Cadbury which was now of a lesser value. It was in fact even lower than the current Cadbury share price. The Cadbury chairman said:â€Å"Under your proposal, Cadbury would be absorbed into Kraft’s low growth, conglomerate business model, an unappealing prospect which contrasts sharply with our strategy to be a pure play confectionery company.†

Portrayal of Modern Women by Contemporary Women's Magazines Research Paper

Portrayal of Modern Women by Contemporary Women's Magazines - Research Paper Example Because of the many roles women play, they often seek advise from various sources. One source that they may find consistently reliable are women’s magazines because these depict articles set in the modern times, and assumed to promote modern values. At a time when information is so much easier to acquire from various media sources including television, radio and the internet, concrete reading materials are still conveniently available and preferred by many readers (Stevens, Maclaran & Catteral, 2007). It would be interesting to explore how contemporary magazines depict women and what priorities they should have in life. Although contemporary women’s magazines such as Glamour and Cosmopolitan claim to empower modern women to be more assertive and independent in achieving gender equality, the message sent out from their content (emphasis on the importance of women’s beauty and their success in relationships) seem to endorse traditional femininity ideologies, which put women in a role subservient to men in a patriarchal society. Since magazines may have a great influence on how women think, it is crucial to understand the subliminal and overt messages such media format feeds them. The research question that will be explored in this paper is: â€Å"How are women portrayed in contemporary women’s magazines and what messages are conveyed to them?† The significance of finding answers to this question will provide enlightenment on how society views women, how women view themselves and how such views guide their value formation, attitude and behaviors. Theoretical Framework This paper is guided by the Sexual Script Theory by Gagnon & Simon (1973) and the Objectification Theory by Frederickson & Roberts (1997). Scripting theory is premised on the concept that individuals have subjective understandings that determine their choices and qualitative experiences. Sexual Script Theory, specifically focus on the subjective understanding of a p erson about his or her sexuality that determine his or her sexual actions and experiences related to sex. Scripts are cognitive devices used to guide people in their behaviors. Sometimes, such behaviors are â€Å"self-fulfilling prophecies† to support the scripts upheld by the person. For example, if one’s sexual script is to be desirable in order to be liked as a person, then that individual will exert all efforts to look attractive and behave in a seductive manner. Similarly, and to more specifically illustrate the Sexual Scripting theory, the Objectification theory explains how females internalize an observer’s view to be the primary view of her physical self. This means that if a woman gets accustomed to being seen as an object of desire, she becomes socialized to treat herself as such and behaves accordingly (Frederickson & Roberts, 1997). Vulnerable to judgment of society, women vigilantly monitor themselves with the knowledge that being positively viewed by others means more opportunities. Studies have shown that how a woman’s body appears to others can determine her life experiences. Physical attractiveness seem to matter more to females than to males. Women deemed unattractive by their co workers are described more negatively and given less regard than comparatively unattractive men (Bar-Tar & Saxe, 1976; Cash, Gillen & Burns, 1977; Wallston & O’Leary, 1981). Physical attract

Occupational Health and Safety Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Occupational Health and Safety - Essay Example Marvin Schneiderman’s approach to work-place safety is unrealistic and impractical because he takes a position which largely ignores the dynamics of the workplaces themselves. Teachers and office personnel very rarely, if at all, are required to handle or come into close contact with dangerous or hazardous material. Therefore the level of protection required of employers in classrooms and offices are minimal when compared to workers who are exposed to hazardous situations on an ongoing basis in the workplace. This is not meant to suggest that once the job involves continuous risks of harm, no measures should be taken to safeguard against them. The reality is, when there are certain hazards, there is always a risk of harm, regardless of safety measures involved. The higher the risk of harm, the more likely it is that harm will occur, regardless of safety measures taken. There are two principles of safety that makes it virtually impossible to implement a safety standard across the board that will produce the same safety record for all workers, as those reported by the review from England and Wales. These principles are â€Å"safe-persons† and â€Å"safe-place.† (34) In order to facilitate a safe-place a number of initiatives are required with respect to the workplace. This includes â€Å"engineering controls or process changes† which are necessary to â€Å"reduce exposure to noise or airborne toxic contaminants.† (34) In addition, tools and â€Å"office equipment designed with attention to basic principles of ergonomics† will have to be purchased. (34) There is an obvious difference in the level of workplace safety that can be facilitated at minimal costs in a factory or on a construction sight as opposed to an office. Purchasing tools and safety gear for employees exposed to heights and hazardous materials can only provide limited protection, regardless of expenditure. Nose and

Big Ideas Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Big Ideas Assignment - Essay Example Through this activity, the partners would be able to learn about each other. Later on the students would exchange partners and do the same thing. Each student would at least have four partners during the activity consuming at least 4o minutes. Then after which, each student shall be required to present to class who they have known and tell what they know about the said partners. So for each student, there would at least be three presentations each. The partners would then confirm the information relayed about them by their partner. Expectations on the Application of the Activity: It is expected by the proctor of the activity that the understanding of the students on themselves and how they see themselves with others or from others view point should increase. Besides that, it is also hoped that each student be given the chance to see through the situation thus making it easier for them to establish camaraderie with the whole class as part of their social development. To instill aesthetic procedures in the activity is one of the main aims of the educator herein. To do so, several ice breakers in the middle of each division of the process is expected thus giving ample motivation to the students to pursue with the activity. Through bodily activities, the educator believes that the students would have greater sense of grasping the lessons that they are undergoing hence giving them the chance to refuel their minds so as to be able to accept the different points that are presented to them in class. Education has always been an important aspect in the course of personal and societal development as a whole. Every individual has an urge and personal willingness to learn valuable information that varies from either practical knowledge o scientific ones. However, all of these relevant informations are very much needed by every individual to be able to develop their own self and become self-sufficient and

Public finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Public finance - Essay Example This paper analyzes the possible impact of welfare reform over labor supply incentives. For so many years, the US has been involved in welfare reforms that any dating of the beginning of welfare reforms is irrational. In many ways, the welfare reforms in the past two decades have given rise to labor supply. The life of the people relying on welfare reforms has become more difficult due to the work requirements for welfare recipients, the decline in the real value of welfare benefits, and the sanctions for not complying with the requirements imposed by the state for welfare recipients, such like the work related participation activities held mandatory for the welfare recipients. Due to which, people would be encouraged to opt for being in or entering in to the labor force rather than leaving or applying for the social welfare programs. Such decisions or choices are based on the perceived toughness of the state’s welfare program and thereby, are influenced by the state’s rhetoric in relation to the welfare reform and not just enforced by the requirements of the law of the state. However, the sanctions imposed on the welfare recipients may simply compel them to seek work by throwing them off the welfare rolls. Also, the time limitations of the number of years for which a particular welfare recipient can benefit from the social welfare program may subsequently lift some welfare recipients off the welfare program. ... nalysis, which are: the precise evaluation of response elasticities, comprehensive specification of the distribution of income, as well as some perspective of the social welfare weights. The former two elements are positive and can be determined through thoughtful evidence based analysis. On the other hand, the last element mentioned above is normative and thus, something at which perspectives may differ. Now, we will discuss that how these elements will operate in the structure of earnings and taxation. In relation to labor supply responses, an important distinction lies between the intensive and extensive margins of labor supply. The studies on optimal taxation investigate the outcomes for tax design (Diamond 1980; Saez 2002; Laroque 2005). When the people are permitted to respond to the variations in the tax schedule by selecting to work or not, and how hard to work, then the schedule of optimal tax can vary to a great extent. Particularly, when this choice of employment becomes c omparatively more significant, then the rates of optimal marginal tax can reduce dramatically, even to a negative value, for the people with low earnings capacity. According to Brewer, Saez, and Shephard (2010), an impelling inference is that if the state government commends redistribution then the workers having low income should be given an earnings subsidy since the participation tax rate for low earnings would be negative. Therefore, the extensive model signifies that work contingent credits or earnings subsides, such like the working tax credit or the earned income tax credit, should be the constituent of an optimal tax system, which is in acute contrast to the intensive model. This is among the vital lessons from the new optimal tax design. Due to the large extensive elasticity, the

Romanticism poet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Romanticism poet - Essay Example We might perceive Shelley himself as a bird, constantly on the go, flying, searching for something he could not find at home, looking for his home away from home. His death at the age of twenty nine, drowning during a storm off the Italian coast, also presents his life as that of a bird’s, fleeting yet filled with flight to the heavens themselves, in search of sensuous aestheticism and explorations of intense passions. One of his most famous poems, To a Skylark, speaks exactly of this. The skylark is his greatest natural metaphor for pure poetic expression. The speaker says that no one knows what the skylark is, for it is unique. It is in heavenly harmony with Nature, and its song surpasses everything man made on earth. It is motivated by the joy of that uncomplicated purity of being, it sings unburdened with melancholy or worry. This is what he wants to show to the world: a music unparalleled, in which joy flows like a river of happiness from a â€Å"spirit† of nature, the skylark. He wants us humans to be more like the carefree skylark. Because, the human condition of happiness is always bittersweet. It is always tainted with memories and worrying about the future.

Disso proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Disso proposal - Essay Example The primary features of the online shopping helps in providing business accuracy, flexibility of design and readiness of accessibility (Gay, Charlesworth & Esen, 2007, p. 173). Today internet is an increasingly popular medium of shopping due to its convenience of shopping at the click of a mouse. This research paper focuses on this subject because of its growing relevance among the young generation. The behavior of the consumers in shopping is highly essential for the businesses in tracking the discrete preferences and engineers their strategies for focusing on the key requirements of the consumers. Various factors stand in the way of influencing the behavior of the consumers. From the standpoint of Warner, various external influences which affect the consumer’s behavior are demographics, socio-economics, technology and public policy; culture; subculture; reference groups; and marketing. Within the domain of internal influences, attitudes, learning, perception, motivation as well as self image and semiotics are various psychological attributes affecting the consumer behavior in online shopping (Malcolm). From the studies of Sheth in 1983 it can be also found that the consumers are predominated by mainly two types of motives which are basically functional as well as non functional. It is a common agenda that people in today’s world have drastically changed their shopping patterns and there has been application of various strategies by the companies towards positioning their products in systematic and successful manner. The marketing managers while strategizing optimal marketing plans and concentrating on the four ‘P’ of marketing, product placement becomes highly essential. The application of online shopping finds its rigorous importance as life in today’s world has taken a jet propulsive pace and people need their products available at their doorsteps. Majority of the people in today’s world go for online shopping

Ethics Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics Theories - Essay Example   Utilitarianism stipulates that the greatest happiness should be the guiding principle for the conduct (Shafer-Landau 2012). Finally, Deontological ethics focuses on the rightness or wrongness of the individual actions.   It does not put considerations to the rightness or wrongness of the consequences of the actions committed.  Distinction in how each theory addresses ethics and Morality  A Utilitarianism approach on morals and ethics implies that no moral action is intrinsically right or wrong.   The correctness or wrongness of an individual’s action is solely a creation of his or her non-moral good like pleasure, happiness or knowledge.   Deontological ethics asserts that the wrongness or rightness of an individual’s action is at least a portion of the intrinsic moral features like lying (Shafer-Landau 2012).   Ethics and morality are components of virtue theory like honesty and generosity. Virtue ethics focuses on the natural character of an individual rather than on the nature or consequences of specific actions executed.   Deontological ethics refers to the ordinary ethical point that controls the morality of an action, based on the action’s devotion to set rules.  Personal Experience  An instance involving my friend who faces a circumstance demanding him to speak the truth.   Deontology advocates truth speaking which is an ethical and moral act. Speaking the truth in itself is a virtue and by this virtue, theories support it.

Elizabeth looked Essay Example for Free

Elizabeth looked Essay Discuss the significance of this statement within the play and the wider political and historical contexts. The play, The Crucible, portrays a community which is based on paranoid accusations of witchcraft ending in mass hysteria. The accusations led to dozens of alleged witches being prosecuted in the Massachusetts colony; resulting in the death of nineteen people being hung and one pressed to death, over the following two years. Set in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts during 1692, it depicts one man, John Proctor, in his struggle to keep his pride and name from being destroyed with lies, deceit and accusations of consorting with Satan. In 1915 Arthur Miller was born in New York City where he grew up. When he was older, in 1934, he paid for himself to enroll at the University of Michigan and graduated in 1938. Then during 1953 he published The Crucible but was then later criticized for being an Anti-American. Arthur Miller was intrigued by the witch trials of the 17th Century Salem, but he was also concerned with United States political events; parts of which were opposing the spread of communism. The McCarthyism era, in 1938, was created and led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, it was on the basis that communism was spreading and would undermine and destroy capitalism. McCarthy gave across the point that communism was to be feared and that it was a threat to America. Slowly Americans seemed to grasp his paranoid ideas and began to eradicate communism from the country. John Proctors statement, I have given you my soul; leave me my name! is significant within the play and also outside of it. Proctor was a village person, who lived in a small, friendly community where everybody knows each another and so a name would mean a lot about that person living in that community. For that reason Proctor wishes to keep his name as it is because he believes that it is the only thing he has left to hold onto. Yet outside of the play labels are formed for specific groups such as communists and capitalists. A name has been a strong idea throughout history where Kings are recognised by their names and everyone is given a name at birth. One of the main characters in Arthur Millers play is John Proctor. He was known in Salem as having a high moral status and being a respectable, honest and hard working farmer. John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth Proctor had 3 children; John tended to the farm while Elizabeth looked after the house and children. He had a strong belief that he should stick to what he believes by holding his head high against accusations and immoral justifications. He stands up for himself when he is told to sign the confession papers to be nailed onto the church door and does not let people over come him. You will not use me! I am no Sarah Good or Tituba, I am John Proctor! You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me! John Proctor is a character who, since the start, denounced the whole proceedings of the Witch Trials unjust and that the afflicted girls were liars. This builds up a life changing dilemma where he is accused of witchcraft and eventually will be hung unless he confesses to working with the devil. One of the choices he could take was to lie; he was to sign his name to a document confirming he performed witchery while in association with Lucifer. This outcome would result in him letting down this wife, children, his friends and even the people who have already been hung for witchery. Although ultimately he would be letting himself down and losing his pride and honour. The other choice he could take was death. Proctor ultimately chooses death as he wanted to hold onto, what was left of, his pride, honour and reputation. During this execution he pleaded for a little respite of time while claiming he was not fit to die. His plea was, of course, unsuccessful. Another main character is Abigail Williams; she is revealed to show her true malicious self as the play progresses.

Marketing Strategies of IBM Essay Example for Free

Marketing Strategies of IBM Essay Introduction This study aims at examining the use of theoretical marketing approaches in the practical business scenario. In this domain the marketing strategy of IBM has been considered on empirical grounds. It is by the use of marketing theory and concepts that the study evaluates the marketing strategies of IBM and its role in fulfilling the firm overall goals and objectives. Four specific aspects of marketing strategy evaluation are assessed in this study. Initially the proceedings are related to the importance and the use of information in successful marketing strategies by IBM. This is followed by a discussion on IBM marketing strategies in relation to its organisational strategy. The paper also makes an analysis of the application of IBM marketing strategies in global context. Lastly e-business strategies of IBM in the marketing domain are assessed. Evaluation of marketing strategy of IBM International Business Machines Corporation, better known as IBM, is a multinational IT company involved in the manufacture and retail of computer hardware and software applications, and IT consulting services. Employing the best talents in the industry, IBM is today the largest as well as the most profitable information technology employer in the world. Despite of the adverse economic conditions, the firm achieve a significant increase in its net revenue and income in 2008 compared to previous years. Well devised and efficient marketing strategies have been the key to IBM global success. The company strongly believes that devising effective marketing strategies requires making appropriate decisions that can well enhance all kinds of competitive advantages and can create all kinds of new sources of value for the purpose of improving the organisational revenue growth. According to Luq Niazi, Leader of Strategy and Change at IBM, when the leaders of an organisation think about their business as components, it becomes clear which ones they need to own and which they do not. This clearly indicates the great emphasis that IBM places on the performance and  decision making capabilities of leaders in devising effective marketing strategies. In addition, the firm also considers understanding the requirements and needs of customers as crucial for developing effective marketing strategies. Understanding the innovative demands of customers lies at the core of developing effective marketi ng strategies. Based on IBM market share and dominance in the IT industry, the firm can be aptly described as a market leader. Being a market leader, an important marketing strategy which IBM uses against its competitors is the defensive marketing warfare strategy. The defensive marketing strategy involves the firm employing tactics to maintain its market share. There are several tactics that firms use for defending their market share, such as fortification, counterattack, mobile defence and strategic retreat (Ries and Trout, 2005). Being the courageous market leader that IBM is, the firm adopts the best defensive marketing strategy which is self attack. IBM strategy is cheaper and better than IBM. Aware of IBM tactic, customers wait for IBM new prospects as they know that the Big Blue will constantly introduce new and better products which makes the firm own products obsolete. Another key marketing strategy employed by IBM for sustaining its market leadership is product differentiation strategies. Product differentiation can be achieved using a variety of factors such as distinctive products, reliability, durability, product design etc (Kurtz and Boone, 2006). IBM uses a product differentiation strategy based on quality of performance. In line with its quest for further growth and market leadership, the firm adopts a diversification strategy. The importance of IBM growth strategy has heightened in the current economic situation with companies in the computer industry having faced a massive drop in the industrial production and productivity of computer hardware and the future growth for this segment also appearing dim. In such a context, IBM has strategically reduced its exposure to hardware by diversifying into software and services. IBM also realises the importance of maintaining good relationships with its customers and in line the firm lays great emphasis on trust based marketing strategies. Trust based marketing strategies stress on the need for organisations to gain ethical hold over consumer dealings and also be honest and open about its products and the services. For IBM, adoption of this strategy has been very effective in developing its brand  identity and image. In all of its marketing activities, the firm strives at building customer trust and loyalty. Importance and use of information in IBM marketing strategy The importance and use of information is vital for gaining success. In line, IBM adopted the strategy to take up Social Networking to the work place. It is an absolute means of sharing ideas, complains and letters of appreciation in public. By means of adopting networking opportunities, IBM established its strong hold over competitive market. It is through the provision of Social Networking (SN), that IBM established its commitment to technology and developed an enterprise wide SN mindset. IBM is the first major IT supplier that has got potential provisions for SN and is in the process of changing the entire enterprise along with a credible application to address the market. By means of investments made in the SN domain, IBM has gained enough market strengths in the enterprise lineage, global services, deep pockets and above all in gaining loyal customers. By success of SN, IBM proved to be a fine player in the domain of information networking. The proceedings have added many advantages to its organisational global services. SN for enterprises have been implemented with enough marketing strategies and this is what is providing IBM with technical expertise in the field of organizational/adoption issues. The launching of more facilities related to SN are relevant to the competition of the market. The launcher came up with a new idea and launched it much before the though had developed in anyone mind. The second big thing to the adoption of marketing strategy is the IBMs mindset in the launching of Lotus Connection. It is an information networking process with collaboration-centric approach to SN and helps in information sharing and uninterrupted workflow. By few minutes of exploration anybody can well get hold over its functionalities. IBM kept it easy and user friendly; the basics of marketing strategies. When it comes to the use of information system in IBM, the adoption of unique kind of marketing strategies is predominant. The basic approach is in being innovative and adopting something that is very user friendly and easy for the customer to adopt. Complicacies in the same field can lead to failure of  the same. This is the reason that IBM lays emphasis over making it simple, easy and sharing more than the consumer can expect. Once there is a kind of trust and sense of being facilitated gets into the consumer, he hardly will opt for any other company and this is what IBM believes to the core. Application of innovative ideas in the field of information sharing units can be of great risk, but under the marketing strategy of IBM, this risk has been taken again and again with enough success. IBM marketing strategy in relation to Organisational strategy The strategic effectiveness of an organizational strategy can be measured using SWOT analysis. This is a structure that figure out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a particular company. Incorporating the Johnson and Scholes model for corporate strategy into this structure creates three success criteria for evaluating a firm (Rifkin, 2001). These are as following; Suitability can be assessed to identify the factors that will support the strategies. Feasibility is all about the adoption of executing the strategy into practical field. Acceptability is something that will determine the reactions that the organisation will receive by the execution of the strategies. At IBM, employees are greatly encouraged to initiate creative marketing tactics. The application of SWOT and the Johnson and Scholes model proves that IBM has got enough potentiality in developing well crafted assessment about itself. Its main strength lies in identifying its weaknesses. The approaches are all very professional and the marketing persuasions are well structured as per the organisationa l structure. As per the declarations made by the official site of IBM, the basic marketing strategy in relation to organisational strategy adopted by IBM is more concerned about the proceedings led by HRM. The perspectives of organisational dealings are strategically adopted to meet the demands of HRM. The typical business culture of IBM is customer centric and in hence a substantial amount of responsibility is placed on the HR department. It has been marked that on traditional ground many IBM executives along with aspiring general managers are selected for the purpose of improving sales force and market oriented projects. It can be well marked as Samuel J. Palmisano, the current CEO, IBM; initially joined the company in the position of a salesman. With his determination and marketing strategies he achieved the position that he currently occupies (Spooner, 2002). Though it  is unusual for a CEOs profile, but in IBM, growth of the organisation and the people working for it are directly proportionate to performances led in the field and the adoption of the marketing strategies which respond adequately to competitive pressures. Global context in IBM marketing planning In the global context, IBM has proved itself as a strong contender by managing to sustain in the most difficult situations. It has overcome the twists and turns it initially faced in adjusting to the bricks-and-clicks business structure. Overcoming all the hurdles IBM is now achieving milestones through the advantages forwarded by brick-and-click enterprises. It is through this enterprise structure that IBM has transformed into a major player in terms of getting hold over global marketing plans. Its formulisations are inclusive of creating a global brand blueprint. It is a mode that usually gets expressed locally and after attaining some success approaches on global grounds. IBM always follows the process of establishing central framework and then architects the relevant consumer experiences to gain consistency with the brand. IBM always concentrates in gaining single view from its consumers and that helps in assessing the risk factors of global marketing strategies (Rometty, 2001). In order to meet the diversified point of views, IBM follows the structure noted below; Process of analysing the context of when, where and how the appropriate and relevant customer data can be collected. This is an approach that is done under the provision of practical market survey. The means to create absolute governance framework with special attentions led over management policies and overall practices. These are the sources that are collected through the purpose of encouraging customer centricity added by the scope to safeguard customer privacy. Approaches led by institute consistent processes for target customer is the next step. In this process the relationship led by the management across all the domains of sales and provided services of the organisation are scrutinized professionally. The process of appointing efficient team leaders and strong management initiators. IBM also appoints a leader who can perform as a single customer advocate and is very much accountable for all the sorted touch points. The marketing strategies adopted by IBM to meet global demands and competitions are well inclusive of a robust infrastructure. It has the provision for optimising flexibility and  a hub-and-spoke architecture for collecting consumer demands on global arena. There is also well marked acknowledgement for all the innovative ways adopted by the partners of IBM. Developments attain by the partners of IBM in global terms is also directly related to the marketing strategies followed by IBM. IBM understands the fact that partners can add much hold over the local market and can reach the consumer with more in-depth formulations. This is the reason that they believe in developing capitalized relationship with these partners for future opportunities. IBM and e-business strategies The motive of any electronic business is to efficiently meet consumer demands through internet networking. The internet provides a medium for businesses to reach out to customers globally at very low costs. It is an exclusive means adopted through the dealings related to information and communication technologies. In case of IBM the role of e-business is very strong. Through e-business strategies, IBM is equipping itself with all kinds of external activities and is applying determined relationships for respective business dealings; with individuals, diversified groups and corporate clients. According to Who Says Elephants Cant Dance?; a book by a former CEO of IBM, Louis Gerstner (2003), IBM approach for e-Business strategies is handled by specialised e business teams operating under IBMs marketing department. It is through its e-business strategies that IBM is able to link its internal as well as external data processing systems with greater efficiency and flexibility. E-business helped IBM in reaching closer to its consumers, conveying the message of reliability and in urn enhancing customer loyalty to the brand. The proceedings led by IBM for the development and implementation of e-business concentrate on the diversified functions occurring through electronic capabilities. IBM is also a part of the entire value chain proceeding for more profitable dominance over the local as well as global market. There are some predominant sectors where the e-business strategies are applied to gain more trust and money from the consumer. These activities are noted below; electronic purchasing supply chain management processing orders electronically handling customer service cooperating with business partners These proceedings add special technical standards in the e-business structure of IBM. The firm also utilises e-business strategies to exchange of data between its partners and associate companies. As a matter of fact the e-business strategies of IBM are not much different from the other marketing strategies. The basic difference however depends over the expansion of management for sending and receiving contracts from the consumer. It is under this strategic implementation that IBM has adopted many local dealers to be a part of its services. These dealers are of course selected through some professional modes. The reputations of these dealers are marked by IBM first before offering the partnership. In terms of services for each product sold through e-business, IBM provides appropriate training to all those people who are a part of this structure. With strategic planning IBM is also into the dealings related to integrated intra and inter firm business proceedings. Conclusion From the above discussions, it can be derived that the marketing strategies adopted by IBM are built on the structure of trust based marketing, defence marketing warfare, product differentiation and diversification marketing strategies. It is through the appropriate use of these theoretical approaches that IBM has established itself very strongly in the traditional marketplace as well as in the burgeoning online marketplace. IBM strives at fulfilling the needs and expectations of its customers and in enhancing customer trust and loyalty. The products and services provided by IBM can guarantee their utility to the customers satisfaction. In a nutshell, IBM is a courageous risk taker that places great emphasis on innovative ideas for further growth. In line, the firm explores the consumers domain through proper hold over local and global proceedings. References Emerson, W.P. (1996) Building IBM: Shaping the Industry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. Gerst, Louis V. (2003) Who Says Elephants Cant Dance? Leading a Great Enterprise through Dramatic Change. Harper Paperback Ham, A. and Rastelli, L.G. (2002) Marketing Essential techniques and strategies geared towards results, John Wiley and Sons Inc, USA. IBM Global Business Services, http://www-935.ibm.com/services/uk/index.wss/home [retrieved on 19th Nov. 2009] Kurtz, D. L. and Boone, L.E. (2006) Principles of Marketing, 12th edn, Thomson South-western, USA. Ries, A. and Trout, J. (2005) Marketing warfare, Pearson, UK. Rifkin, J. (2000) The Age of Access, Putnum Books, New York Rometty, Ginni (2001) Five marketing tips for the digital age. http://www.935.ibm.com/services/au/index.wss/ibvstudy/igs/a1006209?cntxt=a1005848 [retrieved on 19th Nov. 2009] Spooner, John G. (2002) IBM meets lowered estimates. Staff Writer, CNET News April 17, 2002 http://news.cnet.com/IBM-meets-lowered-estimates/2100-1014_3-885259.htm [retrieved on 20th Nov. 2009] Find out more from UK Essays here: http://www.ukessays.com/essays/marketing/marketing-strategies-of-ibm.php#ixzz3JFUjpwpr

US homeland security related critical infrastructure matters

US homeland security related critical infrastructure matters The statement: The Department of Homeland Security has complete responsibility for all U.S. homeland security related critical infrastructure (CI) matters is not entirely accurate; originally, matters of national security were the sole responsibility of the federal government (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 7). Today, national critical infrastructure protection is a joint effort among the federal government, public and private sectors. The Department of Homeland Security was established to protect and secure the homeland from both domestic and foreign threats. According to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the development of a plan which will ensure the security of critical infrastructure is the responsibility of the DHS (Homeland Security, 2009). Likewise, the DHS is also responsible for recommending the measures necessary to protect the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States (Homeland Security, 2009, p. 2). The mission of DHS is one that involves the protection of infrastructure and critical facilities and networks (Homeland Security, 2010, p. 33). The DHS is responsible for the identification and assessment of all components which make up critical infrastructure. In addition to mitigating potential vulnerabilities; improving the resilience of critical infrastructure, is also a top priority of the DHS. This includes but is not limited to: stand-alone facilities and interdependent systems and networks within and across critical infrastructure sectors (Homeland Security, 2010, p. 34). The DHS serves as the leader and facilitator for those agencies who share responsibility for protecting the nations critical infrastructures (Homeland Security, 2010, p. 31). Those agencies include territorial, tribal, local and state governments, as well as the private sector and other agencies not associated with the government (Homeland Security, 2003). Conversely, when a disaster occurs these agencies are the first line of defense for national critical infrastructures. Even though the DHS is responsible for leading critical infrastructure efforts, coordination of security measures within local and state governments and critical sector industry leaders are the responsibility of federal lead departments and agencies (Homeland Security, 2003). Similarly, it is the responsibility of state and local governments to provide protection to critical infrastructures that are located within their jurisdictions (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 10). If and when a catastrophic event should occur which exhaust the capabilities of local and state governments, it is up to the federal government to coordinate a response (Homeland Security, 2003). A majority of our nations critical infrastructures are privately owned or operated, which means that the private sector are initially responsible for providing protection against threats to their facilities (Homeland Security, 2003). When the threat becomes more than the private sector can handle then the government will step in to assist and ensure that our nations critical infrastructures and assets are protected (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 11). Likewise, the federal government will be there to provide support for an environment in which the private sector can better carry out its specific responsibilities (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 11). The chemical sector is one of the most vulnerable critical infrastructures to natural disaster and terrorist attacks, that being said the DHS is working with the EPA to enhance security at chemical facilities (Homeland Security, 2003). In addition, special attention is being paid to those facilities which house large quantities of hazardous chemicals (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 78). Studies conducted by the DHS and private sector are currently underway to identify and understand physical vulnerabilities within the telecommunications infrastructure and their associated risks (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 61). Even though the private sector must occasionally seek assistance from the DHS, there are times when the federal government must rely on the private sector to lend a hand in emergency response and recovery. An example of the federal government calling on the private sector for assistance was the anthrax scare of 2001. A large Washington D.C. construction corporation was contracted to oversee the abatement and restoration of the Brentwood Post office in Washington D.C. and the Trenton Post office facility in New Jersey. One must also understand that quite a few of our nations critical infrastructures cross international borders (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 35). Therefore the federal government has partnered with the neighboring countries to provide security for our interconnected infrastructures (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 35). The United States partnership with Canada is is a vital asset to national critical infrastructure, efforts are being made to provide protection for international interconnected infrastructures. An example of this partnership is the Alaskan Canadian hightway. In order to transport goods and supplies to Alaska we must travel cross Canadian territory. It is evident that matters of critical infrastrucutre involves not only the DHS but the public and private sectors as well. The DHS would not be able to carry out their responsibilites without the assistance of local and state agencies, the private sector and vice versa. The U.S. government has made great strides in developing techniques and strategies to harden U.S. critical infrastructures which will make them more resistant to terrorist attack and natural disasters. One of the U.S. governments goals is to establish a strong partnership that spans across all levels of government, in addition to the private sector and the American people (Homeland Security, 2009). The Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Program is just one of many steps taken by the U.S. government to harden critical infrastructure. This program provides protection to security-related critical infrastructure information (Homeland Security, 2009, p. 5). By breaking down each critical infrastructure sector it is easier to understand how the U.S. government has been successful in hardening each critical infrastructure. The agriculture and food sector is one of the most vulnerable critical infrastructures, that being said, efforts to harden this sector are an ongoing challenge (Mark Sauter James Carafano, 2005). The U.S. government has revised its measures by providing more protection through the hiring of more health inspectors, and adding more reporting requirements (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 291). Contamination of our nations water supply is often a topic of concern; efforts are being made by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a vulnerability and threat assessment (Sauter Carafano, 2005). These assessments will improve not only site security at high threat locations it will also enhance monitoring and sharing of information (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 292). With regards to the critical infrastructure of public health the U.S. government has implemented measures to harden biomedical surveillance (Sauter Carafano, 2005). This is extremely important because of the risks of a biological attack. There have also been improvements in hardening security of emergency stockpiles of medical supplies (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 294). In order to improve the physical security of medical structures the U.S. government has provided incentives to the private sector (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 294). In response to hardening the critical infrastructure of emergency services the U.S. government has established measures to harden interoperable and redundant communication networks (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 295). The U.S. government has instituted a tougher national emergency preparedness exercise program which teaches better security and promotes consistent protection planning and response protocols (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 295). Since the defense industrial base critical infrastructure sector is owned by a majority of the private sector the U.S. government has implemented new measures to include critical infrastructure protection requirements in contract processes (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 296). Likewise, security is being strengthened in the defense related commercial production and distribution processes (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 296). The telecommunications critical infrastructure has been assessed by the U.S. government, and in return a program has been designed to identify where the most vulnerable areas are in the communication architecture and then address the security issue (Sauter Carafano, 2005). Conversely, there have also been efforts made in the energy critical infrastructure sector to enhance resilience of the energy facilities (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 298). Facility equipment is being repaired and replaced and there have also been improvements in restoration and recovery of services (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 298). Significant improvements have been made to harden the transportation critical infrastructure sector; for example, security initiatives have been established to provide commercial airliners with protection from shoulder fired missiles (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 299). There have also been new developments in screening technology which help identify potential threats to transportation as well as aiding the postal service sector in identifying suspicious mail (Sauter Carafano, 2005, pp. 301-302). Despite the many efforts being made to harden critical infrastructure, there are still several weaknesses in the U.S. governments strategy. Lets face it, the only other thing that is more costly than hardening critical infrastructure is the disruption or potential loss of operations in those critical infrastructures. It is clear that trying to harden all critical infrastructures is too daunting of a task and is not cost effective. The U.S. government needs to focus on those areas of the United States where our critical infrastructures are most vulnerable (e.g. New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. etc.). The federal government also needs to look at the protection of our nations water ways. Information security systems need to be deployed to guard the locks on the Mississippi and St. Lawrence seaways (Bruce Don David Mussington). By employing an information security system it will enable the monitoring of vessels and ships while in locks or approaching locks (Don Mussington). To provide another level of security, river marshals could be deployed to accompany dangerous shipments through the locks (Don Mussington). Many people dont realize that a large majority of our nations goods are transported through inland waterways, which is why it is important that more attention be paid to the transportation sector.

MARK OF THE X: PETER TOSH & MALCOLM X :: essays papers

MARK OF THE X: PETER TOSH & MALCOLM X Words can influence and move a group of people to fight for what they believe in. There have been several influential leaders throughout time. These men and women have changed the shape and direction of our world. Their influence and passion has made it possible for people to fight against injustices. Within this group of leaders there are several different styles and approaches to uniting people and fighting for a cause. Some of these leaders and their styles are ubiquitous, while others only have a few paragraphs in the history books. The civil rights movement in the United States and the civil unrest in Jamaica had two different types of leaders. The first was the civil, peaceful and universally excepted leader. Bob Marley and Martin Luther King Jr. encompassed these qualities. On the other hand, the militant, revolutionary and controversial leaders also played a major role in these movements. Peter Tosh and Malcolm X were the characteristically hostile leaders of each of these mo vements. Although, all four of these leaders were effective in their own ways, ultimately, it was only the peaceful and socially "accepted" leaders that had a lasting impact and were able to create, what seemed like, permanent change. The similarities between Peter Tosh’s life and Malcolm X’s are uncanny. They both went about change in a way that was exclusive and unsettling. In the end it is clear that in order to impact people significantly one has to play by the rules that the dominate society sets up. Bob Marley and Martin Luther King Jr. did this. The change and "justices" that Marley and King fought for seem somewhat misleading. Although took steps towards equal rights they did this on the white man’s terms thus making their "justices" seem more illustrious then they actually were. Both Malcolm X and Peter Tosh had similar upbringings in that they both experienced the hardships of growing up poor without their parents. Peter Tosh grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. This area is located outside of the larger Trenchtown and is known as a "ghetto." Without the guidance of either of his parents, Tosh was raised by his grand-aunt until he was fifteen years old. Similarly, Malcolm X’s father was murdered when Malcolm was only six and a couple of years later his mother was taken from their home and put into an institution.

History of the city of Florence Essays -- Italy European History Essay

History of the city of Florence In the entire scope of history there are few civilizations that have left their own unique imprint upon the rest of the world as well as influencing future generations like the city of Florence. Only a handful of nations can claim the cultural, financial, social, and artistic accomplishments that this city can. Throughout the history of approximately three thousand years Florence has proven to be an impressively resilient civilization that takes pride in itself and has been a leader in Italy and worldwide. From the founding Etruscan people, to Dante and Boccaccio, to the Medici family the Florentine people have proven themselves to be remarkable in many areas of life. This paper will trace the different stages of the Florentine civilization from its foundations, to its emergence from the Middle Ages, to the period of the Renaissance, and finally to its transition to become part of the nation of Italy. Early Florence The first people to settle the area that was to become Florence were the Etruscans who probably arrived around 1,000 B.C. by sea from Asia Minor.[i]? Current day archeologists and historians think fighting was common to the area because the Etruscans settled in walled cities built on high, unapproachable hills which would be hard to attack. Fiesole was one such city which was conquerored by the Romans around 300 B.C. along with the surrounding areas. As is turned out, this defeat was beneficial to the native people because it provided secure trade routes protected by the Roman military. The ability to travel and trade more freely prompted these people to move their civilization to the banks of the Arno River not far from the site of modern day Florence.[ii]... ...ucker, p. 58. [xxi] Lweis, p. 140. [xxii] Levey, p. 180. [xxiii] Levey, p. 236. [xxiv]? Colonel G.F. Young, The Medici (New York; Modern Library, 1933), p. 286. [xxv] Levey, p. 254. [xxvi] Levey, p. 256. [xxvii] Young, p. 332. [xxviii] Young, p. 364. [xxix] Levey, p. 321. [xxx] J. Lucas-Dubreton, Daily Life in Florence In the Time of the Medici (New York; MacMillan, 1961), p.? 287. [xxxi] Levey, p. 332. [xxxii]? George Holmes ed., The Oxford History of Italy (Oxford; Oxford Univ Press, 1997), p. 115. [xxxiii] Holmes, p. 115. [xxxiv] Holmes, p. 116. [xxxv] Holmes, p. 126. [xxxvi] Levey, p. 432. [xxxvii] Levey, p. 440. [xxxviii] Levey, p. 432. [xxxix] Levey, p. 456. [xl] Lewis, p. 182. [xli] Lewis, p. 183. [xlii] Levey, p. 456. [xliii] Lewis, p. 189. [xliv] Holmes, p. 229. [xlv] Holmes, p. 215.

Character Growth in Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay -- Heart of Darkne

Character Growth in Conrad's Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness explores the intellectual, emotional and moral growth of characters throughout the novella. This character growth has been a recurring theme in literature, with the poet William Blake, among many others, exploring theories of the movement between innocence to experience. Although Conrad does not strictly address character growth in this manner, characters that do and do not undergo psychological growth are portrayed quite differently. Those who undergo these psychological changes are portrayed favorably, that is Marlow, the frame narrator, and Kurtz. These characters throughout the novel undergo significant change, for some it is gradual (Marlow), but for others such as Kurtz, this growth or realization occurs rapidly, and almost too late. While European colonialists - characters that do not grow, or remain at the stagnant psychological level - are used to represent the anti-colonialism theme to the readers. Conrad utilizes c haracters, and their psychological growth (or lack of growth) to distance himself from the narrative and endorse or criticize many themes that would be seen as revolutionary in the context of its publication. A large gap is then depicted between the characters who grow, portrayed as "enlightened" beings, and the pilgrims and European colonialists, who are seen in a colonial point of view as perfect examples of good, however portrayed by Conrad as stagnant, "Hollow men", whose aims and ideals are criticized.       The frame narrator, although not a major character in the novella, undergoes significant psychological growth throughout the text. This growth can be broadly divided into three phases - the initia... ...hed ways of thinking, have a faà §ade of bringing culture and progress to a world devoid of these elements, yet are merely "hollow men". They are merely acting as products for the indefinable aims of colonialism and in turn, move the readership to reject their ideals, emphasize the "enlightened" (those who grow) and encourage a similar psychological journey of the readership.          Bibliography    Conrad, J. (1995). Heart of Darkness. London: Penguin Group.    Dintenfass, M. (1996, March) Heart of Darkness Lecture. [WWW document]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   URL http://www.lawrence.edu    Maes-Jelinek, H. Notes on Heart of Darkness    Moon, B. (1992). Literary Terms A practical Glossary. Perth: Chalkface Press P/L    Analysis of Major Characters. [WWW document]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   URL http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/heart/characteranalysis.htm      

Classroom Observation Instruments Essay

The following checklist it based off the Charlotte Danielson Framework. Teacher evaluations are based on four components or domains. Domain 1 is preparation and planning, domain 2 is classroom environment, domain 3 is instruction, and domain 4 is professional responsibility. When completing a classroom observation, only aspects of domain 2 and domain 3 are observable with a walk through. The following is an evaluation checklist of things a principal will look for while completing a classroom walk through. Sections marked with a (T) are teacher behaviors being observed, those marked with an (S) are student behaviors. Domain 2- Classroom Environment 1. Creating a classroom environment of respect and rapport (T) 2. Establishing a culture for learning (T) 3. Managing classroom procedures (T) 4. Management of student behavior (T) 5. Organizing physical space (T) 6. Work stations for group work (S) 7. Student desks are organized and material accessible (S) Additional notes on classroom environment: Domain 3 – Instruction 1. Communicating with students (T) 2. Use of questioning and discussion techniques (T) 3. Engaging students in learning (T) 4. Using assessment in instruction (T) 5. Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness (T) 6. Whole class participation (S) 7. Student Engagement/on task behavior (S) 8. Confidence displayed in assessment (S) Additional notes on instruction: The above checklist is meant to be a guideline for principals to use during a walk through evaluation. Can you see the five aspects of each domain present in the classroom for teachers and the five for students? A simple yes or no will suffice. The above checklist is meant to be a guideline or springboard to complete next steps in the learning process. Those areas marked yes should be a cause for celebration. Evaluators and teachers can then discuss to what extent those aspects were present during the observation. In addition to the yes or no answers for each aspect of the two domains, an evaluator can write comments that fall within the domain descriptions as well. Are classroom procedures posted? That can be noted for classroom environment. What type of graphic organizer did the teacher use? That is part of an instructional strategy. The bottom part of the checklist allows the evaluator to add to the things he saw or did not see. This evaluation checklist should be copied and given directly to the teacher for reflection. That way the teacher has immediate feedback of what the principal observed in her classroom. This allows the educator to see what is being observed in her classroom and in her teaching. She can reflect on what aspects were not observed, adjust her teaching and include those aspects going forward. As much as it is a checklist for the evaluator, it can be used as a check-in for the teacher. If time allows, the principal should sit down and discuss the findings with the teacher, but time is not always available for this conference opportunity. This communication method would fall into a non-directive supervisory approach. Nondirective supervision involves the teacher being an essential part of the decision making process. While the teacher is reflecting and thinking through his actions for instructional improvement, the supervisor assists in this thinking and reflection process (Glickman& Gordon, Ross-Gordon, 2008). This is shown through the principal giving feedback, but the teacher working out the next steps on her own. The positive aspect of this type of supervision includes the teacher feeling comfortable enough to ask their administrator for help when needed and feeling comfortable  enough to take risks in their classrooms (Rettig, Lampe, and Garcia, 2000). References Glickman, C.D., Gordon, S.P., Ross-Gordon, J.M. (2014). Supervision and instructional leadership: a developmental approach (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Rettig, P.R., Lampe and Garcia, P. (2000). â€Å"Supervising Your Faculty with a Differentiated Model.† The Department Chair 11(2)

Hunting is a cruel Essay

Do you want to live? If you do you will think or know that Hunting is a cruel, it is wrong to kill animals as a means of entertainment. Less than 5 percent of the U.S. population hunts. Twenty percent of foxes who have been wounded by hunters are shot again. did you know that if hunting goes out of control people on the earth might die because we need meat for us to live in the world and if we do not have meat we can die. we all live on a cycle if that cycle has someone missing the others will dies, like for an example: The sun give the plant some sun light so it can grown then the plants grows but the frog eats the plant then the frogs get eaten by all the snakes so the the snakes die then the eagle dies because the snakes died. isn’t that a crime to the environment. well a cycle is a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order, or it is a complete set or series. There are so many views of why hunting is right. We will also touch on animal testing. The following paper will prove and show why hunting for eating is fine yet at the same time hunting and fishing for trophy’s is bad. Hunting a fox,deer, and other animals is Wrong.It is already to much that drought, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes happen. The rought, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes only do is distroy the houses of animals and plants,too.

Identify the statutory and voluntary agencies who may work together at the scene of an emergency incident Essay

P3 – place the statutory and voluntary bureaus who may work together at the scene of an exigency incident Statutory and voluntary bureaus:Statutory bureaus are services like the constabulary. fire and ambulance. These will ever fall in an exigency incident. However at some incidents they will be helped by voluntary bureaus like: St John Ambulance – St John Ambulance is a charitable administration staffed by trained voluntaries. The administration responds to 100s of exigency incidents ( including major incidents ) such as inundations. fires. route traffic hits and train clangs. The service supports and aids those in demand. and is an first-class resource in footings of trained staff. medical assistance and exigency vehicles. It can besides supply emptying Centres. The St John ambulance has helped the statutory bureaus during the implosion therapies 2007 in York. â€Å"Throughout June and July 2007 our voluntaries worked indefatigably to assist back up communities hit by heavy inundation Waterss. We have provided a 24-hour support with voluntaries and vehicles in a command to assist people struck by the catastrophe and set up many remainder Centres for those evacuated from their homes† . As you can see St John Ambulance makes a immense difference when they help the other exigency services at a major incident as it says above ‘set up many remainder Centres for those evacuated from their home’ . By them making that they have helped out the constabulary services which saved them plentifulness of clip. British Red Cross – The British Red Cross is a voluntary administration that provides all kinds of things for illustration: First Aid. Emergency Response. Heal and Social Care. happening losing household. fixing for catastrophes and last but non least refugees support. During an incident the administration can supply emotional support. support with the attention of kids and pets use of shower and lavatory installations. proviso of toilet articless. vesture. light refreshments. usage of a telephone and last but non least first assistance. â€Å"As a prima voluntary administration for exigency response. the Red Cross has 1000s of specially trained voluntaries who provide a scope of services to people in exigencies. including practical and emotional support and first assistance services. The Red Cross besides has well-equipped fire and exigency support service ( FESS ) vehicles which play a critical function in back uping local fire and ambulance services. Before the implosion therapy began. we launched a coordinated response to assist vulnerable people across countries threatened by deluging in the UK. Our response included: Emptying. staffing remainder Centres. support to the statutory services. distribution of exigency commissariats. support from across the administration. supplies and information. The British Red Cross have done a immense favor non merely to the populace but to the statutory bureaus by back uping them on first assistance and emptying ECT. In my sentiment without the British Red Cross it would of been 10 times harder to work out the major incident. non merely that hundreds more of casualties would of died if it weren’t for the British Red cross. Mountain deliverance – Mountain deliverance. a voluntary service that is train to deliver people who may hold an accident it the mountain or lake country where there is limited ways to reach anybody for aid. The Mountain Rescue squad has supported the statutory bureaus during the Grayrigg train clang at 2007. â€Å"Mr Farron. MP for South Lakes. said: â€Å"It’s merely suiting that Network Rail’s mulct goes to assist those who were foremost to supply aid on the dark. Sadly it is all excessively true that these fantastic voluntary services do hold to keep out a manus for windfalls and without them they could non survive† . As you can see the mountain deliverance squad was a immense support. It been said above without them they could non last that proves a point that mountain deliverance squad is a difficult working and organized administration. BibliographyBourley. A. ( 2012. May 24 ) . Give MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAMS GRAYRIGG FINES CASH. SAYS CUMBRIAN MP. Retrieved october 8. 2013. from newsandstar: hypertext transfer protocol: //www. newsandstar. co. uk/news/give-mountain-rescue-teams-grayrigg-fines-cash-says-umbrian-mp-1. 957516? referrerPath= # Dymond. H. ( n. d. ) . Emergency response. Retrieved 10 8. 2013. from sja: hypertext transfer protocol: //www. sja. org. uk/sja/what-we-do/emergency-response. aspx Gray. D. ( 2010 ) . oublic services level 3 btec subjects book 2. Society. T. B. ( 2007. august 2 ) . How the UK inundations crisis unfolded. Retrieved january 10. 2013. from redcross: hypertext transfer protocol: //www. redcross. org. uk/What-we-do/Emergency-response/Past-emergency-appeals/National-Floods-Appeal-2007/How-the-crisis-unfolded

Naval Officer Essay

It was said by John F. Kennedy that â€Å"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. † Indispensable factors are those known to be undeniably necessary, essential, or obligatory to one another. This unique relationship between leadership and learning is particularly relevant to my motivation. The ambition I have to become a Naval Officer stems from my drive to lead; but I dare not lead without continuing to pursue my hunger to learn. I desire to guide, to have responsibility, and more importantly, to be an example. Bringing out the best in those I am directing and becoming someone that people can truly look up to; that is my primary intention. The military has gradually been becoming a tradition in my family. Honor, Courage, and Commitment are all aspects of a leader with which I grew up and that are now, my core being. I’m destined to become apart of these extraordinary people. The ones who can be distinguished by the pride with which they hold themselves and the confidence with which they speak. The ones who fly jets, command battleships, and dive submarines; most people can only imagine such careers. They are willing not only to sacrifice their life for their country, but also to lead men and women who are willing to do the same. They have to make quick decisions that test who they are and will vastly impact the lives of those under their command. This is the type of person I want to be. But like John Dana had stated, â€Å"Who dares to lead must never cease to learn. It is unquestionably impossible to lead successfully without having learned to do so first. My modo is to learn the rules of the game and then to play better than anyone else. I love pushing myself mentally to be the very best I can be. If not in school, in the world; figuring out solutions to different problems and learning from the experiences and people in my life. I am an extremely resourceful person taking every opportunity I get to expand intellectually. It was embedded in me that knowledge is progress; it sparks action. And with action we can convert adversity into prosperity. I am determined to put my knowledge to use for the advancement of our country. I understand that becoming a Naval Officer is going to be far from easy; so I am prepared to go through severe physical and mental training before I receive my commissions. I‘ve always been motivated by challenge. I look forward to the navy pushing me to be an asset to success; doing things that I never thought possible.

Details, Dilemma and Decision Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Details, Dilemma and Decision - Assignment Example If she does agree to be part of the trial phase, would there be a guarantee that this will not trigger her ailment that may cause her life to be shortened even more? Or could there be a hope that in the process something might be discovered eventually that she may also benefit from it after all? As for Dr. Blake, the offer that he made to Mrs. Wilkins may defy the principle of non-maleficence. It can jeopardize his career and credibility as a professional and his relationship with his patients. As a doctor, he may influence the decision that Mrs. Wilkins will take though it will not be what the patient would really want. People in the medical field do take note of non-maleficence principle which means not to do harm and is considered to be an overriding principle to everyone who undertakes the care of the patient. (Butts and Rich, 2005, p.13) With this in mind, it is just appropriate for Mrs. Wilkins to become a part of the trial phase that Dr. Blake is offering her. As a doctor, Dr. Blake has studied his patient’s medical history and would not risk the safety of Mrs. Wilkins just to get facts and data for a certain project. Mrs. Wilkins, being terminally ill, may not even think of her own self. It may be true that Mrs. Wilkins will not benefit from the drug at all. That is just the start of the study, there could still be a little hope or possibility that the patient may benefit from it. If the study will be completed, it is not just for the benefit of one but maybe for the benefit of a lot of patients that will be taking it eventually. The decision of one should not just be based for the good of one. Yet it should be for the good of many. In the long run, as people start using the drug, the users will be thankful to those people who tested the drug first, this includes Mrs. Wilkins. The life that she may have right now is bound to end at any stage, however with her actions and her decision to

Acid base balance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Acid base balance - Essay Example This is so because the physical diagnosis of the patient showed that the man had a systematic blood pressure of 85 mm Hg/50 mm Hg. His heart rate was 175 beats per minute, his respiration was at the rate of 32 breaths per minute, and his temperature was 37.3 degrees Celcius. The arterial blood diagnosis revealed a pH of 7.23, pCO2 of 69mm Hg, O2 saturation of 88%, and the HCO3 2.2 meq per litre. The patient’s pH was 7.23. This was a clear indication that the patient was suffering from an acid-base disorder. The patient was extremely acidemic, and the acidemia appeared to be secondary towards the metabolic acidosis with a base mean observed to be excess more than 7mEq/I. This was linked to the problems with the compensation in the respiration that was insufficient to maintain the normal limits of the pH (Stewart, 2003). This is evidenced from the fact that his breathing was heavy; he had a weak and rapid pulse. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide was 31mm Hg in comparison to the normal range that is 40 mm Hg. The oxygen’s partial pressure was 69 mm Hg in comparison to the normal range, which is 90 to 100 mm Hg (Wilkes, 2008). Compensation is the regulation of acid-base imbalances in the body (Story, 2001). Different agents do exist to reversibly bind the ions of hydrogen and impede the pH change. The extracellular buffer involves agents such as ammonia and bicarbonate. The phosphate and proteins play the role of intracellular buffers. The patient’s body began compensating the disturbances in the acid base. This was done when the patient’s pressure started to be laboured and his blood testing showed increased elevation of creatine phosphokinase amounts of cardiac muscles. This showed a bicarbonate system of buffering which is normally the key since carbon dioxide was shifted by carbonic acid to the ions of hydrogen and biocarbonate. More often than not, acid base imbalances, which may overcome the system of buffer, could be compensa ted for a short time through altering the ventilation rate. This will change the carbon dioxide concentration within the blood, hence altering the body’s pH. If the body begins to compensate the disturbance in the acid base status, the blood pH will normalize. In this case, the blood pH will move towards the normal range. There are different types of acid base disturbances. The first disturbance is the mixed disorder. The existence of one derangement leads to a simple acid base disorder. It may involve alkosis and acidosis happening at the same time, hence counteracting partially with each other, or there can exist at least two conditions that may affect pH of the body. For instance, mixed acidosis involves a combination of the metabolic acidosis together with the respiratory acidosis. There is no specific arrangement as any of the arrangements is possible, except respiratory acidosis and alkalosis respiration as a person will not breathe too slowly or rather slow for the sam e time (Knaus, 2005). Other types of acid base imbalances that could lead to the increase in pH include carbon dioxide retention, non-volatile acid production from the protein metabolism and different molecules of organic, biocarbonate loss in the urine, acid and acid precursor’s intake (Figge, 2002). Those sources that may lead to the reduction of pH include hydrogen ion use in the metabolism of various organic anions and acid loss in the urine or through vomiting. Human errors are responsible for the false and incorrect results though implications of such errors are somewhat minor, non-existent, and sometimes merely lead to some inconveniences. In the context of health care, this might not necessarily be the case, given that there are increased chances of such

Summarize the article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Summarize the article - Essay Example The authors state that core mathematics programs that use an explicit and systematic instructional approach provide an in-depth coverage of the most critical areas of mathematics and help students with disabilities achieve the best and effective learning. This core programs reflect the current research on effective mathematics instruction meaning that they are highly developed to support the learning of mathematics for children with disabilities. The authors point out that much of the research done on this area have concentrated on the effects of small group intervention strategies. For learners with disabilities, modifications are required from time-to-time. Therefore, core programs give teachers the instructional foundation to make modifications that are required make the instructional intensity effective especially for struggling learners (Doabler, Jungjohann and Baker 50). Research has indicated that many reviews in the curriculum fail to address demonstration of target content, structured student practice and procedures to get academic feedback. However, there are certain guidelines that teachers can use to make their core mathematics instruction more explicit and systematic for children at risk of mathematics disabilities. However, the teachers must understand the importance of explicit and systematic instruction. First teachers must understand what explicit and systematic instruction entails. Research has indicated that children at risk of mathematics disabilities (MD) learn better, when teachers use explicit and systematic instruction. Explicit instruction is a method used for teaching essential skills in the most efficient manner. Explicit and systematic instruction entails unambiguous teaching models, sequencing of instructional examples, instructional scaffolding, timely feedback and cumulative review of the whole process. The second issue is the practical guidelines for examination and enhancement of core math instruction. The authors

The Free-Trade Area of the Americas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Free-Trade Area of the Americas - Essay Example For the past few years, diplomats from 34 nations have been working hard to push for the establishment of a free trade area. The following are reasons why governments across the Americas are pushing for the free trade area. First, a country will only specialize in selling goods and services which it can do be and trade with other nations for its wants. This is a representation of actual supply and demand of free trade market. This is because when a certain country concentrates the products that it can do best, such a country takes economy of scale advantage and manufactures their products at reduced production costs. Secondly, these governments argue that free trade area will lead to increased imports and exports, thus increasing the availability of products in the involved nations, therefore, bringing healthier competition. Another reason why governments across the Americas are pushing for a free trade area is that it will reduce living costs, thus increasing economic growth. This i s because it will do away with governmental interventions such as taxes and tariffs thus enabling consumers to purchase products at reduced costs. This will also bring good bond between the involved countries leading to healthier governance and diplomatic global ties. Anti-FTAA group claims that free trade agreement extends treaties that were already adopted (NAFTA and FTA) from the acute North of Tierra del Fuego, Canada, and NAFTA had noxious outcomes with Mexico and the impacts negatively workers in the United States and in Canada. Therefore, the protests argue that from this example, it is evident that the FTAA will bring disastrous effects on Latin America. From the protests point of view, the accords of Free Trade are Globalization masterpieces and thus they will allow deregulation as well as the opening of new markets through the elimination of trade barriers such as worker rights and environmental protection. Additionally, these accords will contribute to commodification and privatization of things such as education and healthcare services and due to globalization, Free Trade aims at enriching â€Å"world masters† called big capitalists and financiers.